Long time cyber-friends, Sid and Rain, spent the month of December here in Rockport parked in the spot next to me. Sid was right there to get me backed in and set up in a flash. Then he was here with his handy tool box to fix a few things around the RV for me. He told me the guarantee on his work runs out when I see the tail lights of the RV pulling out on the highway!
Rain has been a long time cyber-friend since the days of the on-line chat on Up At Six, a parrot/bird related chat room. Prior to this month, we had a 2 day visit when they came thru Gatesville a couple of years ago and pulled into the small park where I stay while I'm there. Rain was, and still is, always there for me (on the computer)when I have a question about going full-time.
This month wasn't the nicest when it came to the weather - but it was a great month for good friends and good visits and good food -- and we did eat at some really good places with some really good food!
I wish them safe travels, fair weather and happy days. A piece of my heart has left with them.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
December Is Winding Down
Friday December 25 MERRY CHRISTMAS
Christmas dinner was a pot luck. My donation was a strawberry trifle. Plenty of food! The park provided brisket, potatoes, gravy and ham. Then came the casseroles. I didn’t know there were so many ways to make green beans, scalloped corn or broccoli! And someone brought scalloped oysters! YIPPEE – just like Mom's Christmas table!
Deryl & Elke asked me to stop by for dessert and coffee. I was way too full for dessert, but did enjoy the visit and the pictures of the new greatest-grandest-baby!
The rest of the day was quiet, peaceful and quiet! I fixed a pot of fish/seafood chowder from the left over oyster stew. Had a few salad shrimp and some bay scallops in the freezer. Add some potatoes and a leek. Was really good by Saturday AM!
Saturday December 26 Happy Boxing Day!
The tradition of boxing up your Christmas left overs and sharing them with others is a way of live for the RVer. There isn't enough room nor, do most have the weight allowance, to hang onto everything. Something new comes in, something old has to go out! It's quite easy to box up extras and left overs and share with RVing friends.
Tinga and I love our fish/seafood chowders! What a breakfast!
Started taking down my Christmas Decorations. My sister gave me some beautiful Dutch Lace Window hangings when I was in Iowa last summer. Now I can’t find them. I know they are around here somewhere -- but she gave them to me as I was packing up to leave Iowa and so I have never had them up. I must have just put them somewhere (so I would remember where they where) and now I don't remember! How can you loose things in an RV!
The rest of the decorations came down on Sunday and packed away in the undercompartment.
Sid and Rain are leaving on Monday so a Saturday evening meal together was essential.
It has been wonderful having them as neighbors. Too bad the weather was so 'icky' the first 3 weeks of December. I"m going to miss them being next door.
Christmas dinner was a pot luck. My donation was a strawberry trifle. Plenty of food! The park provided brisket, potatoes, gravy and ham. Then came the casseroles. I didn’t know there were so many ways to make green beans, scalloped corn or broccoli! And someone brought scalloped oysters! YIPPEE – just like Mom's Christmas table!
Deryl & Elke asked me to stop by for dessert and coffee. I was way too full for dessert, but did enjoy the visit and the pictures of the new greatest-grandest-baby!
The rest of the day was quiet, peaceful and quiet! I fixed a pot of fish/seafood chowder from the left over oyster stew. Had a few salad shrimp and some bay scallops in the freezer. Add some potatoes and a leek. Was really good by Saturday AM!
Saturday December 26 Happy Boxing Day!
The tradition of boxing up your Christmas left overs and sharing them with others is a way of live for the RVer. There isn't enough room nor, do most have the weight allowance, to hang onto everything. Something new comes in, something old has to go out! It's quite easy to box up extras and left overs and share with RVing friends.
Tinga and I love our fish/seafood chowders! What a breakfast!
Started taking down my Christmas Decorations. My sister gave me some beautiful Dutch Lace Window hangings when I was in Iowa last summer. Now I can’t find them. I know they are around here somewhere -- but she gave them to me as I was packing up to leave Iowa and so I have never had them up. I must have just put them somewhere (so I would remember where they where) and now I don't remember! How can you loose things in an RV!
The rest of the decorations came down on Sunday and packed away in the undercompartment.
Sid and Rain are leaving on Monday so a Saturday evening meal together was essential.
It has been wonderful having them as neighbors. Too bad the weather was so 'icky' the first 3 weeks of December. I"m going to miss them being next door.
Saturday Dec 19 was spent playing with computers. The laptop was up and running for awhile, then belly up again! One of these days we will figure out what is causing the thing to go belly-up every Windows updates load.
Ran (well, I drove!)to the feed store get feed for Tinga and a couple of treats for Li’lBit and Holly. Then stopped by to visit with Deryl and Elke for awhile. This was the first chance I’ve had to get to their place for a visit since I've been back in Rockport.
Tuesday I got the ‘blue screen of death’ on the laptop. Definitely need to stop trying to ‘fix’ it myself and get it back to Robert! Went back to the computer repair, dropped off the laptop and picked up the rebuilt desk top. Taking some rearranging on my desk. With a tower and monitor, trying to figure out where to put the printer/scanner, mouse, and keyboard is a challenge. Of course, if I wasn’t such a pack rat, it would probably be much easier!
Spent most of the afternoon and evening setting things up and getting the programs loaded. The WiFi works good. This is running Windows XP and MS Office 2000 so all of my little old programs are compatible. Going to take some getting used to this keyboard, too! It's just a little different than the laptop! And to think, for years, this is just the kind of computer I used! It is much faster and less temperamental than the ACER and I’m ever so happy!
Sun has been out for 4 days in a row! YIPPEE -- but cold coming back -- hopefully not AS cold as the last round. Weatherman says only down to low 40s.
RV parks around here seem to be loosing out due to this cold snap. I know several RVers have moved on further south to the Valley. Not me...too many OLD people down there! AND too close to Mexico. Don't want to be wandering near Mexico with all of the gang and drug trouble they are having at the border.
On Wednesday I picked up tamales. NO, I do not make my own! There is a wonderful lady that sells out of a trailer down the road! YUMMY! And, keeping with my family tradition, I picked up the oysters for oyster stew. How's that for a Christmas eve meal -- Oyster stew and tamales!
Rain, Sid and I went to Charlotte Plummers for some good seafood. Just can’t seem to get enough of that place…good food, good service, good atmosphere and view – and good company and conversation! Just can’t get much better than THAT! http://charlotteplummers.com/
Christmas Eve morning, I woke about 3 AM when the wind came thru! WOW! With the rockin’ and rollin’ going on with the wind, I thought I was back in Iowa waiting for the tornadoes! When I took Li'lBit out this AM, my walker had blown out into the drive and up to the neighbor on the other side of me! Had to pick up my poinsettias but at least they hadn't broken.
Christmas Eve day was a quiet day. Just enjoyed being with the critters...being warm and being safe! Life Is Good!!!
Ran (well, I drove!)to the feed store get feed for Tinga and a couple of treats for Li’lBit and Holly. Then stopped by to visit with Deryl and Elke for awhile. This was the first chance I’ve had to get to their place for a visit since I've been back in Rockport.
Tuesday I got the ‘blue screen of death’ on the laptop. Definitely need to stop trying to ‘fix’ it myself and get it back to Robert! Went back to the computer repair, dropped off the laptop and picked up the rebuilt desk top. Taking some rearranging on my desk. With a tower and monitor, trying to figure out where to put the printer/scanner, mouse, and keyboard is a challenge. Of course, if I wasn’t such a pack rat, it would probably be much easier!
Spent most of the afternoon and evening setting things up and getting the programs loaded. The WiFi works good. This is running Windows XP and MS Office 2000 so all of my little old programs are compatible. Going to take some getting used to this keyboard, too! It's just a little different than the laptop! And to think, for years, this is just the kind of computer I used! It is much faster and less temperamental than the ACER and I’m ever so happy!
Sun has been out for 4 days in a row! YIPPEE -- but cold coming back -- hopefully not AS cold as the last round. Weatherman says only down to low 40s.
RV parks around here seem to be loosing out due to this cold snap. I know several RVers have moved on further south to the Valley. Not me...too many OLD people down there! AND too close to Mexico. Don't want to be wandering near Mexico with all of the gang and drug trouble they are having at the border.
On Wednesday I picked up tamales. NO, I do not make my own! There is a wonderful lady that sells out of a trailer down the road! YUMMY! And, keeping with my family tradition, I picked up the oysters for oyster stew. How's that for a Christmas eve meal -- Oyster stew and tamales!
Rain, Sid and I went to Charlotte Plummers for some good seafood. Just can’t seem to get enough of that place…good food, good service, good atmosphere and view – and good company and conversation! Just can’t get much better than THAT! http://charlotteplummers.com/
Christmas Eve morning, I woke about 3 AM when the wind came thru! WOW! With the rockin’ and rollin’ going on with the wind, I thought I was back in Iowa waiting for the tornadoes! When I took Li'lBit out this AM, my walker had blown out into the drive and up to the neighbor on the other side of me! Had to pick up my poinsettias but at least they hadn't broken.
Christmas Eve day was a quiet day. Just enjoyed being with the critters...being warm and being safe! Life Is Good!!!
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Week Three - Things Are Warmer!
Sunday didn’t get that promised 70 degrees only made 51 and cloudy! At least the fog lifted! From the looks of things the only part of the country that isn't wet and cold is south Florida and I don't much care to go to Miami!
Went to the store to get a few things I needed for making candy and forgot to get my Sunday Paper. Now how can it be Sunday without my Sunday paper. Oh, well, I'll just read it on line and pretend I'm holding it!
Ruth stopped by for a visit and Li'lBit fell asleep in her lap. Li’l Bi has never met a stranger.
Monday was more of the same, 54 degrees FOGGY. I could hardly see the RV next door!
Still have some more candy to make although I didn't realize it was going to take so long for the candy to set up. Should have known with the humidity.
Li'lBit and I sat at the picnic table for awhile in the afternoon. She loves to set up there and get brushed. The bench wasn't dry so with a wet, cold butt, I walked to the office for mail. One thing I noticed about this place, no one walks alone. If you don't have a human companion, you have a 4-legged one! While there I signed up to take dessert to Christmas dinner.
Water line break in the park and the water was off until mid-afternoon. Advantage of living in an RV, there is always a holding tank!
Awake at 6AM on Tuesday. That must have been when the 'cold front' blew through. The humidity was killing me. According to the news, it was 65 degrees at that time. Apparently we reached our high by 7AM and it was steadily downhill after that.
You should have seen me trying to get my hips and knees moving in the cold and damp. Sure glad I have those new wooden steps.
Ladies Coffee at 9AM on Tuesday -- such a whirlwind of activity!
Robert called to say my computer was ready and he didn't have to erase a thing. He mentioned "all the stuff you have in there is still there." Maybe that was some kind of code language telling me to clean up the junk I keep on the computer.
The humidifier has really been working over time! I’ve been emptying it every day. I prefer leaving my windows open (when the weather is nice) so dehumidifier won’t be of much use then. But until then, it goes just about 24/7.
Stopped by to visit with Rain and Sid at their place. Certainly didn’t mean to spend the entire afternoon, but good friends and good conversation is hard to give up.
Wednesday was lunch at Los Comales with Roberta, Dan, Jim, Sid and Rain. Jerry and his wife, currently at Ancient Oaks RV park were there. The weather was getting colder and wetter as the day went on. The parking lot at Los Comales looked like a swamp! But time with good friends and good food is hard to beat.
Thursday was laundry day. Always a social event at an RV park. The overused crock pot was filled with the makings for cabbage soup before I headed over to the laundry room. When I came back in, I could really smell the cabbage cooking! Wonder how long it will take to get THAT smell outta here with all this humid weather and the windows closed!!!
Ever dependable Brenda sent me a huge envelope of mail. That means sorting, saving, shredding. But it’s always good to get the stuff and go through it.
Weatherman promised me 65 degrees and sunny for Friday and then 70 for Saturday. I'll probably go blind with the sun out! I think that is what that big orange ball is in the sky!
I opened the day/nite shades to let some light in and now I can see I need to wash windows but it will have to warm up some more for me to do THAT!
Lady’s Lunch was on Key Allegro http://www.paradisekeyislandgrill.com/ I had fried oysters and home-made potato fries. Rain had the same with French fried sweet potatoes. No room for dessert!
53 degrees and the sun is still out! I have some of my windows open and the furnace OFF! YIPPEE!!!
On Saturday I finally made it over to visit Deryl & Elke. What delightful friends they are and I’m so glad they are down here.
Also time to visit one of my favorite places – the feed store. Tinga really needed feeg. Most of the year she has to be satisfied with what I fix for her and what we can find at WalMart, but when we are down here, the feed store has a special mix and some good pellets.
Things finally appear to be getting closer to 'routine.' The packages have been mailed for Christmas. Once Christmas week is over, I will kick back and act lazy and retired!
Went to the store to get a few things I needed for making candy and forgot to get my Sunday Paper. Now how can it be Sunday without my Sunday paper. Oh, well, I'll just read it on line and pretend I'm holding it!
Ruth stopped by for a visit and Li'lBit fell asleep in her lap. Li’l Bi has never met a stranger.
Monday was more of the same, 54 degrees FOGGY. I could hardly see the RV next door!
Still have some more candy to make although I didn't realize it was going to take so long for the candy to set up. Should have known with the humidity.
Li'lBit and I sat at the picnic table for awhile in the afternoon. She loves to set up there and get brushed. The bench wasn't dry so with a wet, cold butt, I walked to the office for mail. One thing I noticed about this place, no one walks alone. If you don't have a human companion, you have a 4-legged one! While there I signed up to take dessert to Christmas dinner.
Water line break in the park and the water was off until mid-afternoon. Advantage of living in an RV, there is always a holding tank!
Awake at 6AM on Tuesday. That must have been when the 'cold front' blew through. The humidity was killing me. According to the news, it was 65 degrees at that time. Apparently we reached our high by 7AM and it was steadily downhill after that.
You should have seen me trying to get my hips and knees moving in the cold and damp. Sure glad I have those new wooden steps.
Ladies Coffee at 9AM on Tuesday -- such a whirlwind of activity!
Robert called to say my computer was ready and he didn't have to erase a thing. He mentioned "all the stuff you have in there is still there." Maybe that was some kind of code language telling me to clean up the junk I keep on the computer.
The humidifier has really been working over time! I’ve been emptying it every day. I prefer leaving my windows open (when the weather is nice) so dehumidifier won’t be of much use then. But until then, it goes just about 24/7.
Stopped by to visit with Rain and Sid at their place. Certainly didn’t mean to spend the entire afternoon, but good friends and good conversation is hard to give up.
Wednesday was lunch at Los Comales with Roberta, Dan, Jim, Sid and Rain. Jerry and his wife, currently at Ancient Oaks RV park were there. The weather was getting colder and wetter as the day went on. The parking lot at Los Comales looked like a swamp! But time with good friends and good food is hard to beat.
Thursday was laundry day. Always a social event at an RV park. The overused crock pot was filled with the makings for cabbage soup before I headed over to the laundry room. When I came back in, I could really smell the cabbage cooking! Wonder how long it will take to get THAT smell outta here with all this humid weather and the windows closed!!!
Ever dependable Brenda sent me a huge envelope of mail. That means sorting, saving, shredding. But it’s always good to get the stuff and go through it.
Weatherman promised me 65 degrees and sunny for Friday and then 70 for Saturday. I'll probably go blind with the sun out! I think that is what that big orange ball is in the sky!
I opened the day/nite shades to let some light in and now I can see I need to wash windows but it will have to warm up some more for me to do THAT!
Lady’s Lunch was on Key Allegro http://www.paradisekeyislandgrill.com/ I had fried oysters and home-made potato fries. Rain had the same with French fried sweet potatoes. No room for dessert!
53 degrees and the sun is still out! I have some of my windows open and the furnace OFF! YIPPEE!!!
On Saturday I finally made it over to visit Deryl & Elke. What delightful friends they are and I’m so glad they are down here.
Also time to visit one of my favorite places – the feed store. Tinga really needed feeg. Most of the year she has to be satisfied with what I fix for her and what we can find at WalMart, but when we are down here, the feed store has a special mix and some good pellets.
Things finally appear to be getting closer to 'routine.' The packages have been mailed for Christmas. Once Christmas week is over, I will kick back and act lazy and retired!
Week Two - Oh, the Weather!
My second week, Monday in Texas, 54 degrees and dreary, rain showers on and off all day. This is NOT why I come to Rockport! This is more crappy weather so far this year (and I"ve been here a week!!) than other years for the whole time I've been here! Hope the entire winter isn't going to be like this!! I have a hard time breathing in this heavy wet air. I'm sure Sid & Rain are wondering why I come here!!!
AND -- I notice more and more problems with the arthritis - but maybe because of the steps and getting up and down on the ladder. The cupboards and pantry are so high, I have a two-step ladder I have to use all of the time! In fact, I need a step stool to see in my microwave. This RV is certainly higher than my other one!
Soaked some split peas overnite and in morning I put them in the crock pot with a smoked ham shank some baby carrots and potatoes. So it's split pea soup for a couple of days for me. When I make soup in the crock pot, I have enough to eat on for a few days! I think, I'm not sure, but I THINK I have figured out the cabinet space. Now to figure out how to work with such a small bit of counter space.
Deryl & Elke came by for a visit, picked up my laptop and took it to their son, Robert, for repair. That new laptop has been a lot of trouble! Congratulations to them on the birth of their First Greatest Grandest Baby! What a Christmas this will be for them.
Started putting up the Christmas decorations. Of course, all of my hooks for the garland are in the old RV! And of course, the windows are different here and I don't have enough garland so I’m still having to rethink what I’m going to do with it. Put the tree on the dining table. I only eat in one space and I was afraid if I put it on the table by Tinga's cage she might eat it and there isn't enough space for it between the two recliners.
Picked up a couple $3.00 poinsettias for the front of the RV. It was a little too nippy to leave them out so they are hiding under the RV with the rest of my plants. I've finished the wreath for the hitch....just an “everlasting" green wreath that I glued some Christmas bows to an added some red baubles. YUP, it looks like something I made! But it is 'festive!'
Wednesday the sun was out and temp ran up to 65 degrees! Sid came by and ran through my “Honey Do” list in no time at all. We went to the Boiling Pot that evening and had boiled shrimp, sausage, crab, etc – just generally good boiled seafood. Butcher paper is spread on the table and when they bring your food, the just dump it on the paper. And Rain and I finished the meal off with a Key Lime Tart. http://the-boiling-pot.com/
Didn't get organized in time to do the baking for the cookie exchange they have here.
The weather really got me down. Didn’t seem to "adjust" to the pollens and get in the swing of things. Usually takes me a couple of days to acclimate every time I move (and catch up on sleep, etc). But the weather slowed that down some! Just now starting to feel human again! Started getting some really good sleep and that even makes the weather easier to handle!
Ran my errands on Thursday. Stopped at WalMart for some odds & ends of stuff I needed, (there is always something I need every time I move!) Then to ACE Hardware for the sandy 'traction' strips for my steps. Oh, do I like my steps!
Switched to my other propane tank, will refill when they deliver on Friday, That will give me two full tanks so bring on the winter, Let it Snow, Let Snow, Let it Snow! I can handle it! Went on line to pay bills for the month before I get carried away with holidays and forget. It sure is easy to do them on line but I sure hate just the idea/thought of paying bills. Emptied the black water tank.....so now I think my odds and ends of jobs are done for today! Sure is an exciting life in the RV, huh?
Friday brought 49 degrees with 22 mph winds gusting to 40 -- under a 'coastal flood warning' -- I might as well have stayed up north! Weatherman says the 'pineapple express' is pulling all the moisture in from the Pacific across Mexico and up thru TX. Might as well be a "blue Norther' coming in from the pan handle -- they are both miserable weather! Blame it on El Nino! Another great day for switching propane tanks! Life is Good!
AND -- I notice more and more problems with the arthritis - but maybe because of the steps and getting up and down on the ladder. The cupboards and pantry are so high, I have a two-step ladder I have to use all of the time! In fact, I need a step stool to see in my microwave. This RV is certainly higher than my other one!
Soaked some split peas overnite and in morning I put them in the crock pot with a smoked ham shank some baby carrots and potatoes. So it's split pea soup for a couple of days for me. When I make soup in the crock pot, I have enough to eat on for a few days! I think, I'm not sure, but I THINK I have figured out the cabinet space. Now to figure out how to work with such a small bit of counter space.
Deryl & Elke came by for a visit, picked up my laptop and took it to their son, Robert, for repair. That new laptop has been a lot of trouble! Congratulations to them on the birth of their First Greatest Grandest Baby! What a Christmas this will be for them.
Started putting up the Christmas decorations. Of course, all of my hooks for the garland are in the old RV! And of course, the windows are different here and I don't have enough garland so I’m still having to rethink what I’m going to do with it. Put the tree on the dining table. I only eat in one space and I was afraid if I put it on the table by Tinga's cage she might eat it and there isn't enough space for it between the two recliners.
Picked up a couple $3.00 poinsettias for the front of the RV. It was a little too nippy to leave them out so they are hiding under the RV with the rest of my plants. I've finished the wreath for the hitch....just an “everlasting" green wreath that I glued some Christmas bows to an added some red baubles. YUP, it looks like something I made! But it is 'festive!'
Wednesday the sun was out and temp ran up to 65 degrees! Sid came by and ran through my “Honey Do” list in no time at all. We went to the Boiling Pot that evening and had boiled shrimp, sausage, crab, etc – just generally good boiled seafood. Butcher paper is spread on the table and when they bring your food, the just dump it on the paper. And Rain and I finished the meal off with a Key Lime Tart. http://the-boiling-pot.com/
Didn't get organized in time to do the baking for the cookie exchange they have here.
The weather really got me down. Didn’t seem to "adjust" to the pollens and get in the swing of things. Usually takes me a couple of days to acclimate every time I move (and catch up on sleep, etc). But the weather slowed that down some! Just now starting to feel human again! Started getting some really good sleep and that even makes the weather easier to handle!
Ran my errands on Thursday. Stopped at WalMart for some odds & ends of stuff I needed, (there is always something I need every time I move!) Then to ACE Hardware for the sandy 'traction' strips for my steps. Oh, do I like my steps!
Switched to my other propane tank, will refill when they deliver on Friday, That will give me two full tanks so bring on the winter, Let it Snow, Let Snow, Let it Snow! I can handle it! Went on line to pay bills for the month before I get carried away with holidays and forget. It sure is easy to do them on line but I sure hate just the idea/thought of paying bills. Emptied the black water tank.....so now I think my odds and ends of jobs are done for today! Sure is an exciting life in the RV, huh?
Friday brought 49 degrees with 22 mph winds gusting to 40 -- under a 'coastal flood warning' -- I might as well have stayed up north! Weatherman says the 'pineapple express' is pulling all the moisture in from the Pacific across Mexico and up thru TX. Might as well be a "blue Norther' coming in from the pan handle -- they are both miserable weather! Blame it on El Nino! Another great day for switching propane tanks! Life is Good!
Rockport TX - Week ONE
DAMN! This weather SUCKS! This is NOT the weather I come to Rockport for! Even Li'lBit doesn't want to do anything but go out, do her duty and run right back in! In fact, she would rather do her duty on her pee papers inside. She occasionally needs a boot in the butt to get her out the door.
I’m ever glad Rain called me and told me to come on in to the park on Monday rather than waiting until Tuesday. I would have been trying to get things done (or Sid would have been!) in all that chilly rain.
Definitely needed a small dehumidifier....toooooo much moisture on my windows. Found one larger than I had wanted at WalMart, but if this weather keeps up, I'll really be in moisture trouble. I don't think we had this much rain the previous years. Evidentially I create too much humidity. People always told me I was full of hot air, I guess they are right!
Spent the first week sorting and trying to get stuff put away. I need a bigger trashcan so I can get rid of some of this! It’s hard to believe I still toss out every time I pack up and unpack. You would think everything would be gone by now.
Do crock pots ever wear out? That was one of the first things I unpacked and plugged in. Started right off with a pot of chili.
Wednesday, December 2nd, BRRRRR.....42 degrees but the sun finally came out! Deryl & Elke called to say it was too cold to come for a visit AND.....THEY BLAMED ME FOR BRINGING THE COLD WEATHER! I just can't WIN!
I can complain all I want about the weather, but I’m NOT in Iowa with my sister! She under snow drifts! Thanks to her, I’m warm. A couple of years ago she sent me some ‘hoodies’ and I am putting them to good use this year! However, I’m definitely NOT used to seeing folks down here walking around outside with hooded parkas, mittens and scarves!
And I finally figured out how to program the TV with the cable! I’m technically dense.
Ruth came by to let me know there are a couple of guys around here that will work on RVs at really good prices. So, if something comes up after Sid and Rain leave, I’ll have someone to call without being taken to the cleaners. In the meantime, I put the final touches on my “Honey Do List” for Sid.
Holly has been puking since we got here, good thing I didn't get rid of the carpet cleaner! I actually think it is a change in the water. I'm going to start carrying bottled water and mixing 1/2 and 1/2 with the park water until she gets used to it and see if that makes any difference. Or, it could be that she is like me -- old and fat and the travel wears us down!
On thing about this crazy weather, by Thursday I had the bottom part of the pantry orgtanized...too damn wet and cold to do anything else. I'm sure that all of the cupboards and closets will be changed several time. Just can’t figure the most efficient way to store things. especially the pantry with it being so narrow and so deep.
There was still a musty odor under the sink and finally found a puddle of water on the shelf under there. Sid came over to take a look at it and found the drain fixture loose and leaking. Problem solved, but I kept the cabinet doors open for a few days and the space heater directed under the sink.
Plans were put into gear to get some sort of lunch/get-together going with Roberta and Dan, RVers I met here last year, and anyone else we can find. Will seem strange not to have Bobbie with us but imagine she is basking in the warmth of the southwest.
Walter came by with Ron to measure for my wooden steps. I can’t wait to get something more ‘sturdy’ and with less incline. What a treat that is going to be.
Thursday, 38 degrees and falling -- wind chill 28. Just had a weather alert for winter storm warning. What a bunch of crap! Guess I won't put my plants out on the picnic table right away.
Friday brought 44 degrees with a wind chill below 40 degrees -- 30% CHANCE OF SNOW FLURRIES -- DO YOU WANT ME TO REPEAT THAT!
I put on a pot of pizza soup and planned on staying inside.
I didn't know the propane people were coming until Tuesday. Missed them last Tuesday and had one empty tank. I still had 1/2 tank so figured I could make it until next Tuesday, but hadn't planned on freezing weather! I kicked the thermostate to 55 degrees and used the space heater I had under the sink to dry out the cabinet space as supplemental heat.
Then, I saw the propane truck next door, I ran outside in my hoodie - just about froze my @$$ off getting my empty cylindar unhooked and out to the drive! The propane guy was nice enough to load the tank back up on the rack while I went in and got the money and a warmer jacket.
While switching propane tanks the freezing rain/drizzle slowed and the snow started -- to those of us that have seen REAL snow -- 'Texas Snow" is sleet pellets in rain/drizzle! Kinda hard to believe I was raised in 'snow country" and I’m so whimpy about this weather. Sure glad I have the easy-on-easy-off hook-ups! $21 and my tank is full. Back in the house and cranked the thermostat up to 70 degrees!
By Saturday, I had most stuff put away and it was starting to look like home again. With the full tank of propane and the thermostate up to 70 degrees, I was starting to think about getting out my Christmas decorations and putting the big plastic tote boxes back in storage and starting to get back to normal -- whatever NORMAL is! At least I'll have stuff done and can get busy being 'social'!
I’m ever glad Rain called me and told me to come on in to the park on Monday rather than waiting until Tuesday. I would have been trying to get things done (or Sid would have been!) in all that chilly rain.
Definitely needed a small dehumidifier....toooooo much moisture on my windows. Found one larger than I had wanted at WalMart, but if this weather keeps up, I'll really be in moisture trouble. I don't think we had this much rain the previous years. Evidentially I create too much humidity. People always told me I was full of hot air, I guess they are right!
Spent the first week sorting and trying to get stuff put away. I need a bigger trashcan so I can get rid of some of this! It’s hard to believe I still toss out every time I pack up and unpack. You would think everything would be gone by now.
Do crock pots ever wear out? That was one of the first things I unpacked and plugged in. Started right off with a pot of chili.
Wednesday, December 2nd, BRRRRR.....42 degrees but the sun finally came out! Deryl & Elke called to say it was too cold to come for a visit AND.....THEY BLAMED ME FOR BRINGING THE COLD WEATHER! I just can't WIN!
I can complain all I want about the weather, but I’m NOT in Iowa with my sister! She under snow drifts! Thanks to her, I’m warm. A couple of years ago she sent me some ‘hoodies’ and I am putting them to good use this year! However, I’m definitely NOT used to seeing folks down here walking around outside with hooded parkas, mittens and scarves!
And I finally figured out how to program the TV with the cable! I’m technically dense.
Ruth came by to let me know there are a couple of guys around here that will work on RVs at really good prices. So, if something comes up after Sid and Rain leave, I’ll have someone to call without being taken to the cleaners. In the meantime, I put the final touches on my “Honey Do List” for Sid.
Holly has been puking since we got here, good thing I didn't get rid of the carpet cleaner! I actually think it is a change in the water. I'm going to start carrying bottled water and mixing 1/2 and 1/2 with the park water until she gets used to it and see if that makes any difference. Or, it could be that she is like me -- old and fat and the travel wears us down!
On thing about this crazy weather, by Thursday I had the bottom part of the pantry orgtanized...too damn wet and cold to do anything else. I'm sure that all of the cupboards and closets will be changed several time. Just can’t figure the most efficient way to store things. especially the pantry with it being so narrow and so deep.
There was still a musty odor under the sink and finally found a puddle of water on the shelf under there. Sid came over to take a look at it and found the drain fixture loose and leaking. Problem solved, but I kept the cabinet doors open for a few days and the space heater directed under the sink.
Plans were put into gear to get some sort of lunch/get-together going with Roberta and Dan, RVers I met here last year, and anyone else we can find. Will seem strange not to have Bobbie with us but imagine she is basking in the warmth of the southwest.
Walter came by with Ron to measure for my wooden steps. I can’t wait to get something more ‘sturdy’ and with less incline. What a treat that is going to be.
Thursday, 38 degrees and falling -- wind chill 28. Just had a weather alert for winter storm warning. What a bunch of crap! Guess I won't put my plants out on the picnic table right away.
Friday brought 44 degrees with a wind chill below 40 degrees -- 30% CHANCE OF SNOW FLURRIES -- DO YOU WANT ME TO REPEAT THAT!
I put on a pot of pizza soup and planned on staying inside.
I didn't know the propane people were coming until Tuesday. Missed them last Tuesday and had one empty tank. I still had 1/2 tank so figured I could make it until next Tuesday, but hadn't planned on freezing weather! I kicked the thermostate to 55 degrees and used the space heater I had under the sink to dry out the cabinet space as supplemental heat.
Then, I saw the propane truck next door, I ran outside in my hoodie - just about froze my @$$ off getting my empty cylindar unhooked and out to the drive! The propane guy was nice enough to load the tank back up on the rack while I went in and got the money and a warmer jacket.
While switching propane tanks the freezing rain/drizzle slowed and the snow started -- to those of us that have seen REAL snow -- 'Texas Snow" is sleet pellets in rain/drizzle! Kinda hard to believe I was raised in 'snow country" and I’m so whimpy about this weather. Sure glad I have the easy-on-easy-off hook-ups! $21 and my tank is full. Back in the house and cranked the thermostat up to 70 degrees!
By Saturday, I had most stuff put away and it was starting to look like home again. With the full tank of propane and the thermostate up to 70 degrees, I was starting to think about getting out my Christmas decorations and putting the big plastic tote boxes back in storage and starting to get back to normal -- whatever NORMAL is! At least I'll have stuff done and can get busy being 'social'!
Friday, December 11, 2009
November 30 - Rockport - Home Sweet Home
The trip from Gatesville to Rockport was uneventful except for the rain – in and out of rain all the way done – and I think the cold front followed me. Arrive in Rockport about 3PM to drizzle and 52 degrees.
As I got out of the truck to go into the office to register, Sid was coming down the steps – he offered to back me in, waited until I got my lot number and took the RV over to my spot. By the time I got signed in, the paperwork filled out, the rabies certificates copied, paid the bill, etc etc etc, Sid had my RV backed in, unhitched and leveled. Just needed my key for the under-compartment to get the equipment to hook up the utilities, etc. I was in and set up in a flash!
Took me awhile to get the slides out since I couldn't find Holly and that crazy cat runs and hides under the bed -- and that is where the hydraulic mechanism is for the slide -- hhhmmm.....one smushed cat if I don't corral her and lock her in the shower!!
My get up and go got up and went when I arrived - that is the way it is when I travel -- seems to really drain me -- and of course, the sitting so long stiffens me up like a board! That is why it usually takes me so long to get unhitched and set up -- so it was sure a treat having Sid do that!
I'm usually 'under the weather' for a couple of days -- takes me about that long to bounce back -- and to adjust to new pollens in the air! So I just take my time doing things. Like my sister told me -- take your time -- you have all winter!
Ruth and Walter came by to bring Molly, their dog, to see Li'lBit! Actually I think Molley was looking for the Cat From Hell! Several folks from last winter stopped by for a quick welcome chat.
Turned on the space heater and a pot of chili on the stove. Spent the rest of the day/evening resting and finished unpacking the next day. Life is Good and I’m blessed to have friends that are so willing to help me keep this RV life going!
As I got out of the truck to go into the office to register, Sid was coming down the steps – he offered to back me in, waited until I got my lot number and took the RV over to my spot. By the time I got signed in, the paperwork filled out, the rabies certificates copied, paid the bill, etc etc etc, Sid had my RV backed in, unhitched and leveled. Just needed my key for the under-compartment to get the equipment to hook up the utilities, etc. I was in and set up in a flash!
Took me awhile to get the slides out since I couldn't find Holly and that crazy cat runs and hides under the bed -- and that is where the hydraulic mechanism is for the slide -- hhhmmm.....one smushed cat if I don't corral her and lock her in the shower!!
My get up and go got up and went when I arrived - that is the way it is when I travel -- seems to really drain me -- and of course, the sitting so long stiffens me up like a board! That is why it usually takes me so long to get unhitched and set up -- so it was sure a treat having Sid do that!
I'm usually 'under the weather' for a couple of days -- takes me about that long to bounce back -- and to adjust to new pollens in the air! So I just take my time doing things. Like my sister told me -- take your time -- you have all winter!
Ruth and Walter came by to bring Molly, their dog, to see Li'lBit! Actually I think Molley was looking for the Cat From Hell! Several folks from last winter stopped by for a quick welcome chat.
Turned on the space heater and a pot of chili on the stove. Spent the rest of the day/evening resting and finished unpacking the next day. Life is Good and I’m blessed to have friends that are so willing to help me keep this RV life going!
Hitch Itch
I heard from Walter and Ruth, my neighbors last winter. They are already there and said that Marv and his wife are also there. Marv is my “A-number-one backer-inner” – he can back in my RV and have it unhitched and leveled in the blink of an eye. It’s because of folks like Marv that I can continue to live this lifestyle.
My "cyber-friends" from Maine, Rain and Sid, should be pulling in on Dec 1 also. They were coming from summer in northern California and were in Del Rio, heading back east after the first of the year. Rain and I met many years ago on an on-line chat room about parrots. We have emailed regularly since. They have been full-time RVing for nearly 10 years, I think. We met once. They came thru Gatesville and we were in the same RV park for a day or two. I’m really anxious to see them again.
I have on my list “wooden steps.” Marv used to make them and I am hoping someone else does, if he is no longer doing it. I really need some better steps. The ones on the RV are a little high and steep for me and Li’lBit.
Sunday I finished putting away the last of the things. Lee and Mary Jane came by to hitch me up. I stayed in the park at Gatesville with the electric hooked up. Headed out to the tire shop on Monday AM. Orville and the guys always take good care of me before I hit the road. Again, another great group of folks that work to keep me on the road.
The guys got me outta there early and I was headed south to Rockport by about 9AM. My plan was to go to WalMart for Monday night and pull into the RV park on Tuesday. BUT, with my early start, I would be arriving at Rockport before the office closed at 5PM. AND, I heard from Rain, that they had arrived on Monday and were set up. So, head ‘em up, move ‘em out and get to Rockport as soon as I can!
My "cyber-friends" from Maine, Rain and Sid, should be pulling in on Dec 1 also. They were coming from summer in northern California and were in Del Rio, heading back east after the first of the year. Rain and I met many years ago on an on-line chat room about parrots. We have emailed regularly since. They have been full-time RVing for nearly 10 years, I think. We met once. They came thru Gatesville and we were in the same RV park for a day or two. I’m really anxious to see them again.
I have on my list “wooden steps.” Marv used to make them and I am hoping someone else does, if he is no longer doing it. I really need some better steps. The ones on the RV are a little high and steep for me and Li’lBit.
Sunday I finished putting away the last of the things. Lee and Mary Jane came by to hitch me up. I stayed in the park at Gatesville with the electric hooked up. Headed out to the tire shop on Monday AM. Orville and the guys always take good care of me before I hit the road. Again, another great group of folks that work to keep me on the road.
The guys got me outta there early and I was headed south to Rockport by about 9AM. My plan was to go to WalMart for Monday night and pull into the RV park on Tuesday. BUT, with my early start, I would be arriving at Rockport before the office closed at 5PM. AND, I heard from Rain, that they had arrived on Monday and were set up. So, head ‘em up, move ‘em out and get to Rockport as soon as I can!
November Comes to an End
The week of Thanksgiving, we were getting down to the wire. Thanksgiving on Thursday, hitching up on Sunday Nov 29th, tires being checked on Monday. Still no word from VA about the oxygen and still no word about the part for the truck.
Monday the PA in the VA respiratory clinic called questioning my need to change oxygen providers (I think he thought I wanted them to pay for it!) After I explained several times that I had insurance, he told me to have Lincare "call Peggy and give her the information and send the forms." After several phone calls back and forth between Lincare, VA and yours truly, the paperwork was faxed.
I wasn’t expecting it to happen overnight, but certainly they could get it squared away before I leave for Rockport, but that was asking way too much! Maybe it will all be set up by spring! Say a prayer and light a candle! I’ll have to continue seeing VA respiratory clinic, but that’s OK, it will keep my foot in the door at VA.
Monday Brenda called to say she was going to Swindall's for lunch -- did I want to meet her -- I told her I was having lunch with Cindy (It's hell being in such demand!) but would join her for ice tea. She ordered onion straws with her sandwich and Swindall's serves them in a large basket! I just had to help Brenda eat them! Then Cindy called and I met her for lunch at Rancher's! Ordered a baked potato (stuffed with everything and sausage) -- brought the potato home for supper. Oh, and while I was at Swindall's I got some blackberry cobbler to go -- they make the best cobblers! So supper Monday was baked potato and black berry cobbler! And I wonder why I have a weight problem!
Tuesday, finally, the truck went in. It took a couple of tries to get the electrical problem repaired – first they shipped the wrong part. Then the new part got delayed. WHEW, electrical relay boards don’t come cheap! Bill was just over $900. GEEZ!!! This roving life-style is costly! Still cheaper than property taxes!
Had lunch at the pasta place with Brenda, then to Hamilton County Court House to fill out a request for absentee ballot for the March primaries. There are a few politicians around here that need to be sent to the unemployment line next fall, so don't want to miss my chance of starting that process!!
Wednesday it was too damn chilly to even thaw a turkey! That was OK – I had to stay in and bake the gingerbread for the pumpkin-gingerbread trifle I was taking to Johnnie's for dessert. There isn’t enough room in my fridge to make the desert and keep it refrigerated overnight, so I just get everything ready and assemble it in the AM.
Thanksgiving was great. As I have for many years, I spent it with Johnnie and her family. By the time all her kids and grandkids show up and her brother and his family, she had 24 people there! Two big turkeys and a ham! I ate so much I'm miserable. Johnnie sent home a big 'doggie bag' with leftovers so I'll eat some more tomorrow and be miserable all over again!
Friday was pack up day. Time to stow everything that can be stowed and tie down that which can't. I had Friday and Saturday to get my act together and get ready to go. What a case of Hitch Itch I have!
Monday the PA in the VA respiratory clinic called questioning my need to change oxygen providers (I think he thought I wanted them to pay for it!) After I explained several times that I had insurance, he told me to have Lincare "call Peggy and give her the information and send the forms." After several phone calls back and forth between Lincare, VA and yours truly, the paperwork was faxed.
I wasn’t expecting it to happen overnight, but certainly they could get it squared away before I leave for Rockport, but that was asking way too much! Maybe it will all be set up by spring! Say a prayer and light a candle! I’ll have to continue seeing VA respiratory clinic, but that’s OK, it will keep my foot in the door at VA.
Monday Brenda called to say she was going to Swindall's for lunch -- did I want to meet her -- I told her I was having lunch with Cindy (It's hell being in such demand!) but would join her for ice tea. She ordered onion straws with her sandwich and Swindall's serves them in a large basket! I just had to help Brenda eat them! Then Cindy called and I met her for lunch at Rancher's! Ordered a baked potato (stuffed with everything and sausage) -- brought the potato home for supper. Oh, and while I was at Swindall's I got some blackberry cobbler to go -- they make the best cobblers! So supper Monday was baked potato and black berry cobbler! And I wonder why I have a weight problem!
Tuesday, finally, the truck went in. It took a couple of tries to get the electrical problem repaired – first they shipped the wrong part. Then the new part got delayed. WHEW, electrical relay boards don’t come cheap! Bill was just over $900. GEEZ!!! This roving life-style is costly! Still cheaper than property taxes!
Had lunch at the pasta place with Brenda, then to Hamilton County Court House to fill out a request for absentee ballot for the March primaries. There are a few politicians around here that need to be sent to the unemployment line next fall, so don't want to miss my chance of starting that process!!
Wednesday it was too damn chilly to even thaw a turkey! That was OK – I had to stay in and bake the gingerbread for the pumpkin-gingerbread trifle I was taking to Johnnie's for dessert. There isn’t enough room in my fridge to make the desert and keep it refrigerated overnight, so I just get everything ready and assemble it in the AM.
Thanksgiving was great. As I have for many years, I spent it with Johnnie and her family. By the time all her kids and grandkids show up and her brother and his family, she had 24 people there! Two big turkeys and a ham! I ate so much I'm miserable. Johnnie sent home a big 'doggie bag' with leftovers so I'll eat some more tomorrow and be miserable all over again!
Friday was pack up day. Time to stow everything that can be stowed and tie down that which can't. I had Friday and Saturday to get my act together and get ready to go. What a case of Hitch Itch I have!
I Didn't Forget -- I'm Just Lazy!
So, as usual, I have to play "catch-up." Just some random thoughts about the first half of November.
November continued with me catching up with friends and getting back into the Gatesville life. Saturday I went to the Temple Bird Mart to meet up with the ‘bird folks.’ Had a great time visiting with old friends and just being back in the bird world. I also had a great visit and lunch with Andrea and her husband, David, at the Chinese Buffet in Temple. Seems strange to meet with Andrea and not have her son, William, there – but he has grown from the ‘lunch with Mom and her friends' and is now active in the world of college students.
I found a cage for Tinga so she can finally get out of the pet crate! It has it’s own stand on wheels, easily moved about. I can easily lift the cage off the stand so will be easy to strap and secure to the table when we move. When I got the cage into the RV it is some larger than I thought. It didn’t look that big in the vendor hall while it was standing next to a large macaw cage! Oh, well – we will make room and Tinga will have a nice home. While in Iowa, I bought a roll of plastic carpet protector, cuts easily and will come in handy with the cage.
The news of the massacre at Fort Hood still seems to be the topic of conversation. Fort Hood is just a few miles from here – can hear the tanks firing when they are on maneuvers on the range. Many families here have family and friends at Fort Hood – and many people in town work on post. So this truly brings a tragedy like this home to all of us.
Sunday after the bird mart I woke up ‘plugged and congested.’ Had a hard time catching a good breath of air. Sunday lunch with Johnnie and her family and back home to bed. It was a downhill skid with the lungs from that point. I do believe that I have attended my last bird function.
So, with congested lungs, I decided to go to the Laundromat – get the washer going and lean against it to get some good vibrations going to the lungs, then on to the dryer with my back to the dryer to get the heat to the lungs. OK – don’t laugh, this works!
The foggy dreary weather is not helping with the lungs. It is a great excuse to keep the crock pot going with soup. Made the mistake of making some bread pudding in the crockpot. Started it one evening to cook overnite. About 3AM the aroma of bread and cinnamon came drifting into bedroom. hhhhmmm…time for a midnite snack? I pulled the same stunt later in the month when I put some apples, cranberries, oranges, cinnamon and brown sugar in the crockpot to cook overnite. I gotta stop doing that!
November in Gatesville, my social calendar is full. Lunch with Brenda, Mary Jane, Cindy, coffee and Sunday dinner with Johnnie and the get-togethers and coffees and visits keep my days full.
It is definitely an expensive stay in Gatesville. Oil change on a diesel truck isn’t cheap! Eating out with friends! Central TX is also where I tend to the business of insurance, safety inspections, license plates, voting, getting the truck serviced, the RV maintained, the tires on the RV and truck maintained. It is also the time to squeeze in all of my medical appointments and the medical care for the critters.
On the list of ‘essentials’ was figuring out why the tail lights of the RV only worked on one side. It definitely wasn’t an RV problem but a truck electrical problem. It was also essential that I get the wheels turning to get my oxygen moved from VA suppliers to Lincare or some other nationwide provider. It has been harder and harder to get my oxygen tanks refilled along the road since the VA provider is located in Waco, TX!
Over the month of November, VA and I were about to come to parting ways. Initially I had been scheduled a doc appointment and lab work. I was still in Iowa when the appointment came due. When I called about rescheduling, they informed me to ‘call when you get back to Temple.' That is exactly what I did; they refused to reschedule my lab. They did make a doc appointment for November 17. That was a totally useless appointment since I had no lab work for the doc to review. Doc scheduled lab for the following week. This did not allow enough time for a return doc appointment to get my meds reordered. By then I was down to my last week of meds. My prescriptions had expired and the doc would not renew them until the lab. Fortunately I had some essential meds ordered while I was delayed a month in Iowa. The VA doc didn't know this and it would have left me without these meds. Not a good situation.
After this experience, I will try to maintain the doctor in Iowa as my primary and find a doc in Rockport to be my “Winter Texan” doc. Eventually, VA can be avoided. I've already stopped using them for my eye since they do not have the meds ordered by Wolf Clinic. Until I get my oxygen squared away, I’ll keep only my respiratory doc at VA.
The middle of November brought 40 mph wind gusts 33 degrees -- Must be back in Iowa!!
November continued with me catching up with friends and getting back into the Gatesville life. Saturday I went to the Temple Bird Mart to meet up with the ‘bird folks.’ Had a great time visiting with old friends and just being back in the bird world. I also had a great visit and lunch with Andrea and her husband, David, at the Chinese Buffet in Temple. Seems strange to meet with Andrea and not have her son, William, there – but he has grown from the ‘lunch with Mom and her friends' and is now active in the world of college students.
I found a cage for Tinga so she can finally get out of the pet crate! It has it’s own stand on wheels, easily moved about. I can easily lift the cage off the stand so will be easy to strap and secure to the table when we move. When I got the cage into the RV it is some larger than I thought. It didn’t look that big in the vendor hall while it was standing next to a large macaw cage! Oh, well – we will make room and Tinga will have a nice home. While in Iowa, I bought a roll of plastic carpet protector, cuts easily and will come in handy with the cage.
The news of the massacre at Fort Hood still seems to be the topic of conversation. Fort Hood is just a few miles from here – can hear the tanks firing when they are on maneuvers on the range. Many families here have family and friends at Fort Hood – and many people in town work on post. So this truly brings a tragedy like this home to all of us.
Sunday after the bird mart I woke up ‘plugged and congested.’ Had a hard time catching a good breath of air. Sunday lunch with Johnnie and her family and back home to bed. It was a downhill skid with the lungs from that point. I do believe that I have attended my last bird function.
So, with congested lungs, I decided to go to the Laundromat – get the washer going and lean against it to get some good vibrations going to the lungs, then on to the dryer with my back to the dryer to get the heat to the lungs. OK – don’t laugh, this works!
The foggy dreary weather is not helping with the lungs. It is a great excuse to keep the crock pot going with soup. Made the mistake of making some bread pudding in the crockpot. Started it one evening to cook overnite. About 3AM the aroma of bread and cinnamon came drifting into bedroom. hhhhmmm…time for a midnite snack? I pulled the same stunt later in the month when I put some apples, cranberries, oranges, cinnamon and brown sugar in the crockpot to cook overnite. I gotta stop doing that!
November in Gatesville, my social calendar is full. Lunch with Brenda, Mary Jane, Cindy, coffee and Sunday dinner with Johnnie and the get-togethers and coffees and visits keep my days full.
It is definitely an expensive stay in Gatesville. Oil change on a diesel truck isn’t cheap! Eating out with friends! Central TX is also where I tend to the business of insurance, safety inspections, license plates, voting, getting the truck serviced, the RV maintained, the tires on the RV and truck maintained. It is also the time to squeeze in all of my medical appointments and the medical care for the critters.
On the list of ‘essentials’ was figuring out why the tail lights of the RV only worked on one side. It definitely wasn’t an RV problem but a truck electrical problem. It was also essential that I get the wheels turning to get my oxygen moved from VA suppliers to Lincare or some other nationwide provider. It has been harder and harder to get my oxygen tanks refilled along the road since the VA provider is located in Waco, TX!
Over the month of November, VA and I were about to come to parting ways. Initially I had been scheduled a doc appointment and lab work. I was still in Iowa when the appointment came due. When I called about rescheduling, they informed me to ‘call when you get back to Temple.' That is exactly what I did; they refused to reschedule my lab. They did make a doc appointment for November 17. That was a totally useless appointment since I had no lab work for the doc to review. Doc scheduled lab for the following week. This did not allow enough time for a return doc appointment to get my meds reordered. By then I was down to my last week of meds. My prescriptions had expired and the doc would not renew them until the lab. Fortunately I had some essential meds ordered while I was delayed a month in Iowa. The VA doc didn't know this and it would have left me without these meds. Not a good situation.
After this experience, I will try to maintain the doctor in Iowa as my primary and find a doc in Rockport to be my “Winter Texan” doc. Eventually, VA can be avoided. I've already stopped using them for my eye since they do not have the meds ordered by Wolf Clinic. Until I get my oxygen squared away, I’ll keep only my respiratory doc at VA.
The middle of November brought 40 mph wind gusts 33 degrees -- Must be back in Iowa!!
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